Coyote Chronicle 2-14

Vol. XLIV, No. 13 Monday, February 14, 2011

THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE OF CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN BERNARDINO FOR 44 YEARS

Coyote Chronicle

Reagan’s centennial celebration

By KATI PATAG Staff Writer On the eve of what would have been Ronald Reagan’s centennial birthday, many gathered to kick off the beginning of an entire weekend to honor him and the legacy he left.

This celebration was held in Simi Valley at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum Feb. 5. There was also another large celebration planned the next day on what Gov. Jerry Brown declared as

“Ronald Reagan Centennial Day” in California.

The celebration included live music entertainment, and 500 pounds of birthday cake.

The Reagan family was in attendance along with many other notable figures who attended the celebration including former vice president Dick Cheney, and several members of Congress who served under the Reagan administration; some of whom also currently serve.

Hundreds of people attended the cer-

emony to honor America’s 40th president who was known as the “great communicator who changed the course of the U.S.” On Feb. 4, a piece of the Berlin Wall was placed in the Ronald Reagan Park located in Northern San Bernardino to honor Reagan’s 100th birthday and his contribution of having the wall torn down.

According to inlandsocial.com those who attended were students from Cesar Chavez Middle School who wrote essays on the Berlin Wall and Reagan.

Continued on Pg. 3

Kati Patag | Chronicle Photo

A piece of the Berlin Wall sits at the Ronald Reagan park.

‘Yotes wear red

By MACKENZIE VON KLEIST Staff Writer

Chad J. McNeeley | Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is interviewed by Al Jazeera’s Abderrahim Foukara in Washington, D.C. Dec. 9 to explain the decision for a troop surge.

US to improve relations with Al Jazeera

By HECTOR GAMA Staff Writer Over the past few years, the relationship between the United States and the Arab news network, Al Jazeera, can be compared to that of an unhappy married couple.

Prior to Sept. 11, 2001 the United States government actually praised Al Jazeera for its role as an independent media outlet in the Middle East.

However, after broadcasting videos in which Osama bin Laden and Sulaiman Abu Ghaith defended and justified the 9/11 attacks, there was significant controversy and accusations by the United States government, who indicated that Al Jazeera was engaging in propaganda on behalf of terrorists.

U.S. diplomats complained to top Qatari officials that Al Jazeera was giving too much airtime to anti-U.S. activists, especially the suspected terrorists like bin Laden.

Pride Center’s annual Drag Ball a hit with Coyotes See Page 2

“[Al Jazeera] is an important station in the Arab world; our concern, however, is that they give an undue amount of time and attention to some very vitriolic, irresponsible kinds of statements,” said Colin Powell, former secretary of state.

There was even speculation that former president Bush expressed interest in bombing the headquarters of the Arabic television network.

Presently, the Obama administration is attempting to mend ties with the Arab television news network.

They are attempting to improve a history of testy relations with one of the most influential news outlets in the Middle East.

A state department media outreach office in Dubai has sought to place Arabic-speaking diplomats on Al Jazeera to lay out Washington’s talking points about the protests roiling the region, according to the Los Angeles Times.

In addition, a few state department officials, including chief Continued on Pg. 2

Why red light traffic cameras are no good The Chronicle’s take on Egypt

See Page 10

See Page 13

Say goodbye to heartache and hello to a healthy heart.

Heart thumping, blood pumping students filled the Upper Commons Feb. 8 for the “Wear Red Day” event sponsored by the Student Health Center, Psychological Counseling Center, Recreational Sports and Human Resources.

The event allowed students to gain perspective and knowledge about the number one killer in both men and women: heart disease.

Guests were given pamphlets at the door that gave preventative tips on how to obtain an overall healthier lifestyle and basic tips on how to reduce blood cholesterol, lower high blood pressure and reduce stress.

According to the Health Center, reducing your intake of saturated fat and trans fat can lower your blood cholesterol.

In other words, the chips and fries you might be eating in the Santos Manuel Student Union might be contributing to your high cholesterol levels.

If a person has a high percentage of cholesterol in their system it can lead to a stroke or heart attack.

Being physically active and dieting can also reduce cholesterol numbers, if not then medication can be recommended or prescribed by your doctor.

According to the Health Center, research has shown that getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity on five or more days of the week can help lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and keep your weight at a healthy level.

So, instead of flipping through the channels and watching the latest episodes of your favorite show, help your heart and get to the gym; be active.

Select CSUSB students who participated in the event and gave enlightening Continued on Pg. 3

Redlands Market Night a hit New band Tennis among locals makes a splash Valentine’s Day activities to do with your boo

See Page 4

See Page 7

See Page 16

News

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Monday, February 14, 2011

Coyotes go nuts for Drag show

Monique McKinley | Chronicle Photos

Miss Mayhem pays tribute to singer Whitney Houston while simultaneously flaunting her alleged addiction to cocaine.

By ANGEL BELTRAN Staff Writer

Morgan McMichaels portrays popular music artist Pink.

Hundreds may have been turned away, but over 600 spectators were crammed into the Santos Manuel Student Union (SMSU) Events Center on the evening of Feb. 8 to experience the 6th annual Drag Show held at CSUSB. The SMSU Pride Center presented “The Fame: A Drag Show” where amateurs had the opportunity to show off their drag skills. There were four particular women who flaunted their fabulousness in front of a very enthusiastic crowd.

“We started planning for this event in the summer. In order to hire the performers we need to book months in advance…all performers are high quality performers,” said Megan Rush, Pride Center graduate assistant.

The crowd was well pleased with the all the performers, some of which included special guests Miss Mayhem, Morgan McMichaels, Raven, and Sonique, all of whom have been featured on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”

Coyote Chronicle Editor in Chief Managing Editor News Editor Asst. News Editor Features Editor Asst. Features Editor Arts and Entertainment Editor Asst. Arts and Entertainment Editor Opinions Editor Sports Editor Asst. Sports Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Online Editor Photo Editor Asst. Photo Editor

Richard Bowie Eric Brown MaryRone Shell Orlandria Brazier Diana Cansino Isabel Tejada Justin Udenze Jennifer Baugh Louis Penna Jesus Romero J. Levi Burnfin Rachel Cannon Steven Avila Joey Monzon Ruben Reynoso Monique McKinley Crystal Cuyan

Faculty Adviser Jim Smart Advertising Manager Linda Sand

Staff Writers Keleigh Acosta, Hannah Alanis, Angel Beltran, Matthew Bramlett, Andrea Brandstetter, J. Levi Burnfin, Rachel Cannon, Kara DeMent, R. Anthony Diaz, Matt Edgerton, Hector Gama, Angelina Garibay, Grace Garner, Omar Guzman, Sharonda Harris, Carmen Herrera, Erika Martinez, Lindsey Martinovich, Brandy Montoya, Kati Patag, Jennifer Peters, Jessica Ramirez, Courtney Rinker, Kiera Thomas, Mackenzie von Kleist

Contact Information California State University, San Bernardino University Hall, Room UH-037 5500 University Parkway San Bernardino, CA 92407 Office: (909) 537-5289 Advertising: (909) 537-5815 The Coyote Chronicle is published every Friday for distribution on Monday during the academic session by the Communications department.

The opinions expressed in the Chronicle are those of the student writers and editors and do not reflect the views of the university, its faculty, or any other person or institution unless expressly noted.

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Chronicle reserves the right to edit or reject all materials submitted to the paper.

McMichaels was the hostess for the evening while wearing exaggerated shoulder pads and a skimpy leotard; she constantly referred to the audience as “bitches” as a form of endearment.

The drag show featured various Top 40 music from radio and snippets of popular YouTube videos were included into the three-hour show astonishing the crowd while the drag queens seductively strutted their stuff in the aisles of the audience.

The dance moves, the costumes, the attitude, the glitter were all part of what makes a drag queen, an actual “queen.”

“The theme of the show is ‘The Fame,’ which is the title of Lady Gaga’s debut album. The fame [represents] pop culture, cutting edge avant-garde innovation and how [that] fits in today’s society,” said DeeJay Brown, Pride Center student assistant.

Pop culture was included into the show through means of impersonations of famous headstrong female artists.

One real knock-out performance was that of Miss Mayhem performing a “cocaine” induced tribute to Whitney Houston while having a not-so-subtle smear of white powder across her face in a midnight-blue sequin gown.

Other impersonations included were that of McMichaels as Pink, who strolled an enthusiastic wheelchair-bound audience member around the SMSU Events Center during her rendition of “Fucking

Performer Raven portrays famed actress Marilyn Monroe.

Perfect.”

Georgia-native Sonique impersonated such famous celebrities as Britney Spears, Marilyn Monroe and Shakira.

“We like to put together a lot of social events like Pride Talk and AIDS Day…this [show] is a celebration of who we are… and everybody enjoys it,” said Rush.

All the Ke$has, Kylies and Selenas came out during the amateur drag section of the show.

The amateur drag contest gave students, many of whom were newcomers to drag, an opportunity to show off a different side of themselves that they don’t often get to see on a regular basis. “[The show] is for the students and for the community put on by students to build a better and more inclusive space. It’s a celebration of gender… this year it [was] bigger and better, and it serves as a way for people to come together and express culture,” said Brown.

It’s safe to say that the drag show was a complete success. It brought the school and the community together, while celebrating each person’s individuality.

It was clear that the queer community is a huge and welcome part of the CSUSB community. Who knows what’s in store for next year’s show?

Continued from Pg. 1

US talks with Al Jazeera spokesman Philip J. Crowley and Jeffrey Feltman, assistant secretary for Near Eastern Affairs have gone on Al Jazeera more than a dozen times in the last month.

Al Jazeera is crucial because so many households in the Middle East turn to it in times of turmoil, explained Dana Shell Smith, deputy assistant secretary for international media engagement.

“If we are not in the conversation, people will be speaking for us or about us,” said Smith, who speaks Arabic. “We need to make sure we are out there speaking for ourselves.”

When asked what his sentiments were regarding whether or not Al Jazeera was needed here in America, professor Dany Doueiri said “It just enriches the access of alternative media in our country. It will be very useful to have an Arab news network

in English in America.”

“Al Jazeera news in English is objective so what’s the big deal?” concluded Doueiri.

Currently, conflicts in Tunisia, Egypt and other parts of the Middle East have aroused curiosity within the American public.

Millions of American viewers have turned to Al Jazeera English, which has been providing the most complete coverage, streaming a live news feed on the Internet.

No television cable provider in the United States broadcasts Al Jazeera English, with the exception of a few providers in Ohio, Vermont and Washington D.C. The network aims to change that and has seized their moment launching a “Demand Al Jazeera on U.S. television” campaign.

News

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Monday, February 14, 2011

SB stalls pot clinics

By MATTHEW BRAMLETT Staff Writer

Courtesy of CNET

The much anticipated release of the iPhone 4 finally happened Feb. 10 on the ‘most reliable network’ Verizon Wireless.

iPhone ‘changes everything,’ again

By LINDSEY MARTINOVICH Staff Writer Verizon’s iPhone 4 has finally arrived.

“This changes everything. Again,” according to Apple.

The phone became available for Verizon customers for pre-sale Feb. 9 and in store Feb. 10 under the slogan, “The phone that changed everything. Now available on America’s most reliable network.”

The iPhone is popular among all ages because of its numerous applications that appeal to everyone from hikers, runners, cooks and shoppers to business men and women, students, and musicians.

Like AT&T, Verizon is selling the 16GB iPhone 4 for $199.99 with a new twoyear activation plan and the 32 GB can be purchased for $299.99.

If you are not eligible for a Verizon upgrade, the iPhone can still be purchased at the full retail price. However, without an upgrade the full retail price for the 16 GB model is $649.99, and $749.99 for the 32GB model. iPhone customers will need an unlimited data package $29.99 or higher (available for a limited time only).

The iPhone 4 will run on Verizon’s existing 3G network.

Other noticeable differences are the lack of a SIM card on Verizon’s version.

Both AT&T’s and Verizon’s customers are able to purchase an option allowing them to use their devices as a mobile hot spot. However Verizon allows for up to five mobile devices to AT&T’s one. “iPhone 4 is expected to be in high demand. In the event that iPhone 4 is not available in stores after Feb. 10, you can place your order in store and have the phone shipped directly to your billing address. Shipments will take place on a first come, first served basis. No billing will take place until shipments are made,” ac-

cording to Verizon Wireless.

AT&T and Verizon iPhones are not interchangeable. Many customers are hoping that the competition for the iPhone will lead to lower prices.

As of right now, pricing between the two carriers are comparable.

“I’m pissed because when I got my Verizon blackberry I asked them if they were going to get the iPhone and they said no. I want to get it but I’m going to wait because I can’t afford to buy it for the full price. When I have and upgrade, I’ll get the iPhone,” said student Alexa Espiritu.

For those sharing the same frustration as stated above, there is a solution.

“Current Verizon Wireless customers who purchased and activated new smart phones, feature phones or certified pre-owned devices between Nov. 26, 2010, and Jan. 10, 2011, are eligible to receive up to a $200 Visa debit card when they purchase iPhone 4 at full retail price by [Feb. 28] and return their existing device,” Verizon Wireless.

“I have the AT&T iPhone and I’m pissed too because I’ve never had the option to switch to Verizon and now that I have that option but it’s too late because I heard that AT&T is raising its cancellation fees,” said student John Gutierrez.

According to USA Today, Apple has sold more than 50 million iPhones since their introduction. The latest version, iPhone 4, sold more than 1.7 million units in the first three days after its June 24 debut.

With Verizon releasing the phone, Apple’s sales in the U.S. is estimated to grow at least 15 million more units than in 2010.

According to USA

Today, Apple has sold more than 50 million iPhones since their introduction.

The future of medicinal marijuana in San Bernardino County is clouded in doubt as members from the County Planning Commission attempted Feb. 3 to ban the establishment of medical marijuana facilities in certain parts of the county.

The proposal cited the concern for the health and welfare of the county’s citizens and would only focus on unincorporated parts of the county, as there are no concrete regulations in place.

The overall plan of the ordinance is to ban medical marijuana dispensaries in the entire county, regulate the cultivation of medical marijuana and require that all establishments offering medicinal marijuana to register with the county for regulatory purposes. The ordinance is a direct result of a county wide review which found that areas where dispensaries have opened experienced a sharp increase in crime. The review also stated that many dispensaries were opening within close proximity to schools, day care centers and churches.

“Based on the adverse secondary impacts experienced by other cities and counties, and the lack of any regulatory program in the County regarding the establishment and operation of medical marijuana dispensaries, other storefront distribution operations, or other facilities distributing marijuana,” the proposed ordinance reads.

“It is reasonable to conclude that negative effects on the public health, safety, and welfare may occur in the County as a result of the proliferation of facilities distributing marijuana and the lack of appropriate regulations governing the establishment and operation of such facilities.”

The battle against the use, cultivation

and sale of medical marijuana has not been a new one in San Bernardino County. Beginning with the passage of Proposition 215 in 1996, which enabled the use and cultivation of medical marijuana for seriously ill patients, the county has been struggling to enact regulations and ground rules to control the proliferation of the drug.

A temporary, 45-day moratorium that stalled the issuance of permits to medical marijuana facilities were enacted in 2009, and the county refrained from issuing medical cards to qualified patients until June of 2009. Almost all established cities in the county have so far enacted at least a temporary moratorium on dispensaries. The only exception is Chino Hills. Proponents of the ordinance fear that the city will eventually become a haven for illegal activity because of their lack of regulations.

Owners of several medical marijuana dispensaries are not going down without a fight. A plan is already in place to file a lawsuit with the county if the ordinance is passed. Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties all have attempted to pass similar ordinances banning the establishment of medical marijuana facilities, and all faced lawsuits. The ordinance has given way to a wave of impassioned responses from all parts of the county, especially here at CSUSB. “I really am hoping that [the ordinance] does not pass, and I wish things could continue how they are right now,” student Hernan Calderon said. “It is more related to health, and anything that has to do with the damage of a person’s health, I am quite against it.”

While student Brianna Warhop said “I think it’s unfair and unjust to the people who use marijuana for medicinal purposes.”

Continued from Pg. 1

Reagan’s legacy honored locally Principle Karen Strong, explained that they felt “the students needed to learn about this part of history that was moving to their very own neighborhood.”

The middle school’s band provided classical music playing both our National Anthem and Germany’s.

The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Mounted Posse rode and presented arms which not only honored Reagan as a president but also his legacy as a cowboy.

The Berlin Wall was built in 1961 to stop people from traveling between East and West Berlin.

Life was much better for people who lived in the western part of Berlin after World War II. The wall separated friends and families. The East German government decided to close its boarders, and it became a symbol of Communism.

It has been almost two decades since Reagan delivered his speech to the German government to get rid of the Berlin Wall. Many believe that Reagan’s address led to the end of the Cold War and the fall of communism.

The wall that now resides in Ronald Reagan Park is complete with Reagan’s photograph and his famous words “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”

Continued from Pg. 1

Coyotes wear red for heart awareness celebration facts about cardiac disease during a fashion show in which participants wore red.

“It was very interesting to find out that 90 percent of women have a higher risk of developing heart disease, “ said student Ariana Spaulding. “And at least one person dies every 39 seconds from heart disease.”

With such shocking statistics, it’s a wonder why we aren’t seeing more people at the gym, and instead seeing more people in the fast food lines at school.

Healthy choice recipes were distributed at each table for the audience to take home and try a new healthy way of eating. Poached chicken breast and tomato and cucumber salsa were just two of the recipes provided that looked flavorful as well as nutritious.

Along with food recipes, the nutrition and food sciences program is offering free nutritional counseling on campus. If you want to make healthy lifestyle changes, eat well and find out about your nutritional status you can

make a free appointment at nutrition@csusb.edu or call 909-537-3452.

Chef Tito from The Commons kitchen gave the audience a cooking demonstration with a healthy salad with tomato sauce dressing as well as a chicken soup for the heart that many were intrigued by.

The cardiac event conveyed in a very original and informative way on how to take care of yourself and prevent cardiac disease from affecting you and loved ones.

Features

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Monday, February 14, 2011

Redlands Market Night a local hit in SB County

Omar Guzman | Chronicle Photo

Each week hundreds of friends and families enjoy fresh foods and the sounds of live music at the Redlands Marketplace Night. This weekly event helps brings together several vendors in the area, and promotes tourism and economic growth.

By OMAR GUZMAN Staff Writer It is a brisk Thursday night; the trees are beautifully decorated with lights, I smell the warm familiar scent of hot popcorn and freshly prepared pastries, as I listen to a man playing his acoustic guitar in the midst of the crowd.

I am in enjoying my time at the Redlands Market Night, as I continue to walk down the crowded street all around me are hundreds of people walking slowly past, some stopping, some going and many waiting in line for some delicious food.

Since 1988, the Redlands Market Night has been one of the most successful certified farmers market in Southern California.

Many local vendors along with vendors from around the country participate in this event that brings in thousands of people every week.

“This event has received many positive reviews from participating farmers and vendors in addition to being featured in newspapers and magazine articles,” said Redlands project manager, Heather Smith. “This event is so popular that many other cities, San Bernardino for example, have

patterned their own community farmers’ markets after the Redlands model.”

Witnessing all the people forming lines around most of the booths really shows exactly why this weekly event is such a success and a popular tourist destination.

“Spring and summer are the peak seasons of the Market Night, during that time it has anywhere between 125165 participating local businesses, vendors and farmers,” said Smith “Redlands Market Night is an event that promotes tourism and economic activity in the downtown area. The more people who are exposed to Redlands the more likely they are to shop, dine, reside, or open a business there,” said Smith.

For anyone looking to find an excellent place for a large variety of cuisines or merchandise, the many eateries, food vendors and merchants certainly are inviting places for all.

“The event brings 4,000 to 10,000 people weekly to the heart of Redlands and provides a free event in a safe, family-oriented environment,” said Smith. “It is also a venue that local businesses use to sell their wares or promote their businesses to people who may otherwise be unfamil-

iar with their businesses or product line.”

Chairman of Redlands business association, Dave Ahlers, who runs the Market Night event said, “This event definitely helps commerce sell their products, it helps stimulate the economy, and it also gives people a place to start a business. Some businesses that I can remember is Cracker Jacks, Redlands Jewelers, Comic Quest and most of these businesses have been around for over ten years now.”

“The Redlands Market Night is the second largest farmers market in Southern California,” said Ahlers.

“Around 150 vendors, there’s a good number of businesses that do very well in this event, around $2-3 million are generated annually.”

As I continue walking down the street I see local growers who are providing fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, along with beautiful flowers and a pleasant selection of breads, roasted nuts and much more.

I notice many children walking along with their parents happily swinging glow sticks around as they anxiously wait for a pony ride; it seems as if this market night is a very entertaining place to have a good time with family and friends.

Dishing it up with Diana

By DIANA CANSINO Features Editor Bacon was ruined for me. Thanks to Richard Bowie, editor-in-chief of the Chronicle and lover of all things vegan.

This Bowie character showed no remorse for the love I lost. In fact he was happy that I sank in misery after showing me a detailed video of how pigs are raised and slaughtered upon my questioning of his diet.

Did you know pigs walk around in their own piss, and literally eat at each oth-

er’s sores? But, I won’t go into too much detail and ruin bacon for all of you too.

As a matter of fact, all pork was ruined for me after having watched the film and have since been in a deep food depression.

Well, it is a combination of my newfound knowledge of pigs, and also the $5 I have had to my name for the past week that has really brought me down.

Just kidding … but seriously though.

I’m in a dark place with food right now; I mean, I had such a close relationship with pork that learning things – nay, learning horrific things about it has been

like breaking up with my first love. It’s pretty much safe to say that this Valentine’s Day is being spent without my true love.

Growing up loving pork, or what I usually refer to as just plain bacon, strangely made me appreciate the animal, in a culinary sense. Like many of you, I have watched Charlotte’s Web but I always wondered what a waste it was for a pig to spend his time caring for three baby spiders. Because of all his wondrous blubber trotting all over the farm, Wilber was my ideal dream of bacon.

Now, my recent guilt has caused me to

shun away bacon bits, smoked ham, pork chops, ham sandwiches, Canadian bacon and bacon strips. I’m getting hot and bothered just thinking about all this food that I have just cut out of my life.

As this past week came to a close, I looked forward to my usual lunch with my mom and sister who ordered a bacon calzone. I was left in a haze of green. That’s right, not just green from envy, but vegetables, because I simply ordered a salad.

I may no longer indulge in the grotesque delight of pork, but I encourage you all to pig out while you still can.

Features

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Monday, February 14, 2011

The hills are alive with the sound of CSUSB music

By R. ANTHONY DIAZ Staff Writer You may be listening to a famous composer on your iPod, but the energy of a live ensemble will feed the senses and lift the soul.

It seems our culture is consumed with radio and MP3 players that we rarely take the time to appreciate live music.

The hallways of CSUSB’s own Performing Arts building may seem desolate, but in the afternoon you’ll find harmonies played behind the concrete walls.

Our music program is one of the best in Southern California and is only rising in ranks.

The department is proud to produce and feature concerts, ensembles and individual soloists.

Classrooms get a lot out of the program and a majority of these students are developing into whole musicians.

Dr. Jeffrey Boeckman, is CSUSB’s Director of Bands, and the mastermind behind what is created in the Inland Empire.

“Radio or iPod is a passive experience as opposed to being engaged in a music ensemble,” said Boeckman.

The music department has many incredible performances that will be taking place this year, and are a must to attend. There are about a dozen shows lined up for this quarter

R. Anthony Diaz |Chronicle Photo

The CSUSB music department has a variety of ensembles. They are one of the best music programs in Southern California.

R. Anthony Diaz |Chronicle Photo

Director of Bands at CSUSB, Dr. Jeffery Boeckman, was recently named Associate Conductor for the San Diego Winds.

and even more in the spring!

One to highlight is the North American premier of a new work by Moritz Eggert, an acclaimed German composer.

This will take place Mar. 16 for a performance by CSUSB Symphonic Band and the John W. North High School Wind Symphony.

One of their major contributors to make this project possible is Alemannia Music Foundation and the German Consulate of Los Angeles.

The Symphonic Band also performed a concert version of Gershwhin’s “Porgy and Bess” with soprano Margaurite Mathis-Clark and baritone Wayne Shepperd, this last year. They are well-known Los Angeles based opera singers.

“It is valuable that they get to work with active professional performers such as opera singers, composers and choirs,” said Boeckman.

Students having the opportunity to work with many major players in the music industry, help set the precedent in becoming a successful musician. The department offers opportunities that are not easily available to others in the playing field.

Aside from playing with professionals, they travel to distant places. Dr. Robert Knop, our jazz band director, has taken a student jazz combo to Thailand for the past two years. The Symphonic Band is proud of the tour they have coming up Mar. 10-12, in the Bay Area and will be performing at San Francisco State University and Cal State Monterey Bay. “We are taking a tour to expand our audience, so we become well-known outside of the Inland Empire,” said Vince Chavez, CSUSB euphonium player.

Other students such as Tim Rizzi chose to pursue his music careers at CSUSB. The three year music major has played the clarinet for 11 years and found the program here to be unique.

“Many students put their instruments on shelves after high school and it’s a shame,” adds Boekman.

To hear remarkable music produced by your fellow classmates such as the Student Jazz Combo or the Symphonic Band, keep your eyes peeled and more importantly you ears!

Islamophobia causes isolation across the world Dr. Hussein Ibish sheds light on the discrimination, defamation of Muslims at campus lecture

By ANGELINA GARIBAY Staff Writer While the eyes of the world are on Egypt to see what will happen, Dr. Hussein Ibish is more concerned with what will happen after President Mubarak steps down because there is no clear ideology, no clear political agenda, no political leader to take over.

Dr. Hussein Ibish, who spoke Feb. 10 in the Santos Manuel Student Union, was on campus to talk about Islamophobia in America. He prefaced his speech by commenting on the situation in Egypt.

He was quick to point out that this was not an Islamic protest. Christians are protecting the Muslims while praying and the Muslims are protecting the Christians when they are praying. It’s not a religious protest, it is a nationalistic movement he stated.

Ibish, who is considered an expert on

hate crimes, then moved on to talk about racial profiling in employee and housing discrimination, defamation and vandalism as the result of “Islamophobia.”

Islamophobia, a new word to describe an old hate—prejudice—an irrational hatred and/or fear toward a group of people, in this case Muslims, the followers of Islam.

Today profiling is most seen in travel and in immigration policies he said. People from Arab countries are specifically targeted to have the most trouble.

The biggest and most important positive change that Ibish has seen is Hollywood’s portrayal of Arabs. Hollywood has tended to portray Arabs as aggressive and angry, but things are improving. He cited the movie “Ironman” as an example of the negative stereotypes that used to be more common in movies.

Hollywood is not the only thing changContinued on Pg. 6

Angelina Garibay | Chronicle Photo

(L to R) Student Leah Nelson, Brian Levin, Dr. Ibish and Dr. Allen Butt pose for a picture after Ibish’s enlightening speech.

Features

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Monday, February 14, 2011

Black history via Barnett, an unsung hero

By KARA DeMENT Staff Writer Imagine living in a world where you were limited to what you could and could not do. A world where you were told where to sit, what places you could go to and even what drinking fountain you were allowed to drink from.

February is Black History month and people everywhere are remembering those who have changed the lives of millions of African Americans in the United States.

You’ve all heard of Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, and Harriet Tubman but there are many more African American heroes that made an impact on the movement.

Ida Bell Wells Barnett is one of those heroes. Born in Holly Springs, Miss., Barnett was the oldest of eight children. She always had a passion and desire to be a role model for her siblings.

However, being that role model came sooner than expected when both her parents died of yellow fever plague. To sup-

port her brothers and sisters she became a teacher at age 14.

Becoming a teacher and standing up for what she believed in led her to become one of the most well-known African American journalists of her time.

In 1891 she wrote a few articles that aimed towards the availability of education for African American children in the United States. Due to these articles her teaching contract was taken away and she turned to journalism.

She began her career as an editor and co-owner of a local black newspaper in Memphis called, The Free Speech and Headlight. Many of her stories, if not all of them, were focused on the gruesome lynching that was becoming almost a trend in Mississippi.

Three of her friends were victims of this crime and that’s what really pushed her to speak out in her articles. Barnett’s passion for writing about anti-lynching and the tragedies that came along with those who disagreed with her led her to write for the New York Age and to become

Continued from Pg. 5

Borderless hatred continues ing. The types of crimes have changed before and post 9/11, vandalism and attacks on Islamic mosque properties are on the increase.

But he said you can’t blame it all on 9/11. His theory is if there was a direct correlation than the hate crimes would have reached their peak directly after 9/11.

“The principal villains are the terrorists of 9/11. If you want to put blame somewhere,” Ibish said, who has written several books and articles on Arab American hate crimes.

Ibish compared the hatred towards Islam that has been growing through the years since 9/11 to the anti-Semitism between the World Wars. His comparison was drawn from part of his “25 Essential Themes of Islamophobia” list: Islam is a pathological and evil religion, Europe has already fallen, America’s biggest threat is Muslim immigration and Muslim’s don’t condemn the terrorism.

He explained some of the myths of the Islamophobe. At the top was “There is one such thing as Islam/Muslim.” He explained there are many different types as there are many different churches for the Christian faith.

The Criminal Justice Club, the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and CSUSB’s Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism co-sponsored the event with a grant from the Intellectual Life and Visiting Scholars Committee.

Courtesy of Bucknell University

Ida Bell Wells Barnett was an activist in the Civil Rights movement. She shed the light on lynching through her writing. a lecturer of anti-lynching societies.

Barnett also formed the Women’s Era Club, which is known today as the Ida B. Wells Club. This was the first civic organization for African American women, according to biography.com.

“A Red Record” was a book that Barnett published in 1895. It focused on lynching and the statistics of lynching in the United States.

One of Barnett’s most profound mo-

ments was when she was asked to be a member of the “Committee of 40”, which is now known as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

The NAACP helped her reach out to African Americans and bring awareness to lynching until her death in 1931.

Barnett changed the lives of many Americans throughout her lifetime and was a hero to many who decried lynching in the country.

Arts and Entertainment

Chronicle Page 7

Monday, February 14, 2011

Tennis sails into indie scene

By CARMEN HERRERA Staff Writer

Courtesy of MySpace

Patrick Riley and Alaina Moore are the married duo behind Tennis, the Denver band that’s taking the indie scene by storm.

Patrick Riley and his wife Alaina Moore, better known now as Tennis, never planned on recording music until a trip to the Atlantic Seaboard changed their minds.

The indie-rock duo met at the University of Colorado Denver where they not only shared the same interests as philosophy majors, but with art and music as well.

Upon meeting, the couple did not have any knowledge of the musical backgrounds that the other had. Even when Moore found out about her husband’s ability to play guitar, and Riley discovered his wife’s excellent talent for writing music, neither had the idea of becoming musicians.

“I think we had both put our music equipment away pretty much forever, thinking we would never approach playing music as a lifestyle again until we went sailing,” said Riley.

Riley and his wife shared the same dream of sailing the seas and learning about the adventures of the Atlantic.

“It was all about sailing. We were trying to immerse ourselves in our new lifestyle and get everything we could out of the experience.” Moore revealed in an interview with Weekend Edition Saturday, “It wasn’t until later that we felt so inspired by the experiences we had that we wanted to invest it all into something, and we decided to use music.”

The husband/wife duo invested in their savings and planned for a yearlong trip to the Atlantic, where they would embark on a tour on the Eastern Seaboard. Together

with their thirty-foot sailboat, guitar and sunscreen, the duo sailed the seas.

Though the expedition didn’t last as long as intended, it was long enough to reignite a love for music. “The whole sailing trip was supposed to go for two years, and it ended up going for eight months,” said Riley. “And we needed a way to funnel those ideas and energies we had. All that nostalgia went into writing music.”

Following a few demos released on their website, Tennis was discovered by an executive at Fat Possum Records, and was signed to a contract. Riley and Moore released Cape Dory, a collection of songs that soundtracks their expedition of the Atlantic seas.

Different than today’s modern music, Tennis covers the genre of vibrant pop sound of the 60s, with a touch of indierock. Recording their album, Tennis wanted mostly to record calm, comfort music that they found relaxing during their trip.

Tennis released two singles to their debut album titled “Take Me Somewhere” and “Marathon” and has become popular in the indie scene. The duo is currently touring nationwide with acoustic/retro groups such as La Sera and Holiday Shores.

With their upcoming success, Tennis is already planning another trip to sail the seas, for more ideas and inspiration for their sophomore album.

Despite their new-found popularity, the couple is not allowing their dreams of traveling take a back seat to fame. “Even though everyone wants us to take it really seriously, at the end of the day, this started as a hobby for us,” said Moore.

Black Eyed Peas headline “worst halftime show ever”

By COURTNEY RINKER Staff Writer The Super Bowl half time show is conceivably the single most difficult event to book in the United States.

People who don’t even like football stick around to watch the commercials, enjoy the company, and, of course, watch the half time show.

Audiences expect, even demand, to be dazzled by the half time performance. And why shouldn’t they feel this way?

In the early 90s America traded in old school marching bands for pop sensations like New Kids on the Block and Michael Jackson.

Today, the Super Bowl half time show has become one of the grandest entertainment spectacles in America, known to throw some of the most outrageous performances in the history of showbiz.

No one is likely to forget Janet Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction.

What about the performers? In the past the Super Bowl half time show brought America big names such as U2, Prince, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Aerosmith and Bruce Springsteen.

These are the kinds of artists people want to see, artists that step out onto the stage and give their audience something worth appreciating.

How did this years’ performance by the Black Eyed Peas stack up? It didn’t. In fact, it was underwhelming.

“I kept expecting something exciting to happen but it never did. It was boring; they should have gotten someone who could put on a better show,” said student Jessica Lee. It’s true; Black Eyed Peas didn’t stand a chance at

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Virtually no one cared for the Super Bowl Halftime show this year, and the Black Eyed Peas certainly didn’t help matters. Perhaps it’s because they lack lyrical depth. rivaling previous performances. America wants that wowfactor. Black Eyed Peas obviously didn’t make the cut.

Kudos go to Associated Press writer Saul Relative for predicting that America was “in for an eye-opening confrontation with the definition of terrible.”

The Black Eyed Peas performance was routine and predictable—not to mention the fact that there simply isn’t a mainstream interest in them.

Audiences everywhere were left wondering why a superstar like Lady Gaga or even the Glee kids didn’t perform the show instead? America asked for an unforgettable performance--not an easily forgotten one!

Of course, you had to expect the Black Eyed Peas to perform their most-loved songs. All wasn’t lost when they started with “I Gotta Feeling.”

They were captivating until audiences realized this

was as good as it was going to get. The truth is that everyone had a feeling that they were about to be amazed and they weren’t.

The performance with Slash might have been unexpected but it was lackluster. The Peas have sung the Guns N’ Roses “Sweet Child O’ Mine” for years now.

On Twitter, thousands of Super Bowl watchers displayed their disappointment in what should have been a great show.

“Worst national anthem, worst half-time show and worst commercials on the most-watched Super Bowl broadcast in history,” said Twitter user DVNJr..

Audiences want more. Hopefully, future Super Bowl line-ups will bring America to its knees. If they don’t, what used to be looked forward to as a worldwide phenomenon will become a has-been of entertainment opportunity.

Arts and Entertainment

Chronicle Page 8

Monday, February 14, 2011

Courtesy of Fox

The Super Bowl Sunday episode of Fox hit Glee broke records, bringing in over 28 million viewers nationwide, but may have strayed too far away from what makes the popular series so special in an attempt to bring on board new “Gleeks.”

Glee breaks records, but “Super” episode disappoints

By GRACE GARNER Staff Writer Hit television show “Glee” set records Super Bowl Sunday, reigning in a whopping 28.6 million viewers, according to The Huffington Post, making it the highest rating post-game scripted show to date.

For those of you who aren’t Gleeks (a combination of the word “glee” and “geek”), much like myself, the show is about an array of gifted singers in high school who are apart of Glee Club, a club battling against the scrutiny of an insane cheerleading squad and macho football team— or pretty much anyone considered “cool.”

The episode that garnered so much attention featured a mash-up performance of the ever-popular “Thriller,” by legend Michael Jackson, and “Heads Will Roll,” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I was surprised by the choice of “Heads Will Roll” since “Glee” usually covers songs that are, well, mainstream, or at least known by most people.

Unfortunately, the performance fell short for me.

Having earned the copyrights to such an opportune song like “Thriller,” only to see the same reenactment except on a football field, was disappointing.

The mash-up with “Heads Will Roll” seemed like a good idea, but put together it just crumbled until I became offended that they even tried covering a Yeah Yeah Yeahs song at all.

The actual plot was easy enough to follow for a firsttime viewer, although I thought the episode was ridiculously over-the-top.

At one point in the show, Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch), head honcho of the cheerleading team, purchases a canon for the upcoming cheerleading competition and actually expects one of her cheerleaders, brain-dead Brittany (Heather Morris), to blast out of it.

Morris’ reply: “I don’t want to die yet. At least not until ‘One Tree Hill’ gets cancelled.”

Admittedly, I see the appeal of “Glee” with its funny one-liners and sometimes impressive performances like the one done to “Bills, Bills, Bills” by Destiny’s Child.

Basically, it’s every choir nerds’ fantasy show.

I give it kudos for harping on important themes such as unity, as the episode focuses on bringing together members of Glee Club, the football team, and the cheerleading squad through performing “Thriller” and “Heads Will Roll” at the championship football game’s half-time show.

Another reason “Glee” has so many followers is that it’s not your typical high school television show. Unlike “The O.C.” or, Brittany’s favorite, “One Tree Hill,” “Glee” focuses on the nerd herd, not unbelievably gorgeous teens with loads of money and loads of unfathomable drama.

It has a fresh, never-before-seen feel that will likely snag more fans by the time it comes to an end.

In fact, “Glee” already has enough attention to go on tour a second year running which boasts 13 cast members, including Lea Michele and Cory Monteith.

For all the Gleeks out there, you can catch your favorite “Glee” stars May 27 in Anaheim, May 28 in Los Angeles, and if you can’t make those dates, May 29 in San Diego.

Prof shares book that almost killed him

By STEVEN AVILA Copy Editor Who would’ve thought a trip to a used book store would result in a book of lies?

Yet that’s exactly what happened when CSUSB professor and writer Glen Hirshberg found a used book from the Federal Writers’ Project some 14 years ago.

The result is his latest novel, “The Book of Bunk.”

Hirshberg held a reading of the novel Sunday, Feb. 6, at the Redlands Barnes & Noble bookstore to the treat of an audience consisting of CSUSB students and store patrons.

He admitted the book, which tells the story of a young man in the Federal Writers’ Project during the Great Depression, is the culmination of a 14-year attempt to get it right.

“This book almost killed me,” said Hirshberg.

With readings like this one and one at Skylight Books in Los Angeles on Feb. 12, Hirshberg is effectively putting the spotlight on this book, as well as on his sharp, stunning prose.

Hirshberg has proven his worth in the literary world with his very genre-bending style and plots. The author of two collections of ghost stories (“The Two Sams” and “American Morons”), Hirshberg is also the author of “The Snowman’s Children,” a haunting fictional tale based on the real-life kidnappings and murders that took place in his hometown of Detroit in the mid 1970s.

Despite the difficulty with “The Book of Bunk,” Hirshberg isn’t slowing down.

He’s looking into a paperback edition of the novel, and will release a third ghost story collection this Fall.

While “The Book of Bunk’s” first run is now sold out, copies can be found online at Barnesandnoble.com and Amazon.com.

Steven Avila | Chronicle Photo

Professor and author Glen Hirshberg reads from his “The Book of Bunk” to an audience at a Redlands Barnes & Noble.

Arts and Entertainment

Chronicle Page 9

Monday, February 14, 2011

Grammy award winning band White Stripes calls it quits

By BRANDY MONTOYA Staff Writer Rumors can be put to rest when the White Stripes announced via the Third Man Records website that they are done for good.

It has been almost four years since they put out their last record.

The band said that the split was “not due to artistic differences or lack of wanting to continue, nor any health issues as both Meg and Jack are feeling fine and in good health.” They did say that it was for “a myriad of reasons, but mostly to preserve what is beautiful and special about the band.”

The White Stripes have released six studio albums, a live album, two EPs, a concert film, a tour documentary, 26 singles and 14 music videos in their 13-year existence. Their last three albums, Icky Thump, Get Behind Me Satan, and Elephant each won a Grammy for Best Alternative Music.

In total the band has won five Grammys and has sold 5.9 million albums overall.

In recent years Jack White has been a very busy man with his two other bands, The Dead Weather, where he released two albums and The Raconteurs, where two albums were released as well. He also runs his record label Third Man, which was established in 2001.

The White Stripes formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1997. Jack White, the bands

vocalist, guitarist, and keyboardist and Meg White, drummer and occasional vocalist were actually once married but are now divorced.

In the early years of the band’s career, Jack used to claim that he and Meg were actually siblings, until their marriage certificate surfaced and proved this rumor to be false.

They were a part of the underground rock scene and were with an independent rock label in Detroit, Italy records, until they were signed onto Sympathy for the Record Industry label. In 1999 their debut album was released, The White Stripes.

Their next album, De Stijl, was released in 2000 and is considered a cult classic.

In 2001 they released their third album, White Blood Cells. It was re-released in 2002 with its garage rock sound it grew more attention in the United Kingdom rather than the United States.

In 2003 they released their next album, Elephant which was one of the year’s top 10 albums. It received an elusive five out of five star rating from Rolling Stone Magazine.

In 2005 Get Behind Me Satan was released and won a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Performance.

The White Stripes released their last album in 2007 which won a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album. In September of 2007 they canceled their 18 tour dates due to Meg’s anxiety problems.

The fact that The White Stripes only had two band members led some to believe the band was limited during live performances, but Jack White would beg to differ. He and Meg were always able to carry out great performances with passion and

effortless multi-instrumentation.

The White Stripes concluded in saying, “The beauty of art and music is that it can last forever if people want it to.”

Fans will certainly miss this dynamic duo.

Controversial Kennedy miniseries finds home

Courtesy of Muse Productions

The project virtually no studio wanted to touch lands a spot on independent ReelzChannel, and is set to air in April.

By JENNIFER PETERS Staff Writer Controversy seems to follow the Kennedy family in all endeavors. Many of these controversies are highlighted in a new ReelzChannel miniseries “The Kennedys.”

“The Kennedys” is an upcoming eight episode miniseries that describes the lives of the famous first family The Kennedys.

The mini-series is directed by Jon Cassar and stars notable actors Katie Holmes, Greg Kinnear, Tom Wilkinson, Barry Pepper and others cast the first family.

The concept for this miniseries came from a book written by David Talbot titled Brothers: The Hidden History of the Kennedy Years.

Many negative reactions are surfacing from historians and members of the Kennedy family including Caroline Kennedy and Maria Shriver, surrounding what they claim to be historical inaccuracies, and unflattering depictions of the first family in the early scripts for the series.

A not-so-presidential picture is painted of President John F. Kennedy outlining his alleged womanizing.

Producer Joel Surnow gave a statement in an interview with The Los Angeles Times addressing the complaints and negative reactions to the show.

“They looked at early drafts of the script that don’t even resemble the final draft. It was way too early for them to comment on it.”

David Talbot, author of the Brothers: The Hidden History of the Kennedy Years has severed as source material for

the series, has joined those who preemptively criticized the show for its historical inaccuracies. The miniseries is “an egregious distortion of the historical records” said Talbot.

Due to the controversial nature of the miniseries, many cable networks like Starz, Showtime and HBO have declined to pick up the show. However ReelzChannel has agreed to air the miniseries starting in April.

Cassar feels that political pressures and influences are primary reasons why the show has been passed over on as many occasions that it has.

To support their decision to run the miniseries, CEO Stan Hubbard quickly points out that ReelzChannel is an independent cable channel that has its own independence regarding material that it chooses to air.

“One of the benefits of being an independent network is that you can be an independent voice and you don’t have to worry about corporate pressure or political pressure,” said Hubbard.

He goes on to say that “this is a project that deserves to be seen.” To make this evident the miniseries is scheduled to be shown abroad in a number of other countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Norway, Australia and Japan.

For those that are anxious to see what all the controversy is about, a preview of the series has been released by ReelzChannel.

The preview accounts for Kennedy’s time in presidency until his assassination in 1963.

Opinions

Chronicle Page 10

Monday, February 14, 2011

San Bernardino hits the brakes on red light cameras

By RACHEL CANNON Staff Writer We’re all familiar with the dozens of red light cameras at University Parkway and Kendall Drive, looming threateningly over us every time we go to and from CSUSB. Those of us who have experienced the unforgiving flash of the camera as we barely inch over the crosswalk will be glad to know that the city of San Bernardino has taken steps towards removing all such cameras in the city.

This is because, in addition to being an eyesore and giving us the unsettling feeling that we’re trapped in a George Orwell novel, there’s good evidence that red light cameras actually cause far more accidents than they prevent.

Despite being considered a source of revenue for the city, these cameras cause economic problems and are often inaccurate.

Plus, unlike actual police officers, they are incapable of using judgment and discretion when deciding whether to give traffic citations.

It’s about time we get rid of these menaces.

The San Bernardino City Council decided on Jan. 24 to investigate options for removing them as soon as possible, rather than upgrading the contract with American Traffic Systems, provider of the cameras.

Councilman Tobin Brinker was one of the five council members who voted in favor of this decision. The reasons he cited included inaccurate data and an increase in accidents where the cameras are located.

He also said they hurt local businesses by driving away potential customers who are concerned about being ticketed.

“I believe having one at Hospitality Lane and Waterman Avenue has been a factor (in) reducing business over there,” said Brinker to The Sun. The data suggest he’s right on all counts.

Countless reports have been given of motorists receiving tickets for violations they did not commit. Some drivers have even reported being ticketed from cameras at locations to which they have never been.

Locally, the city of San Bernardino had to dismiss

Matthew Harp | Special to the Chronicle

There are dozens of cameras suspended over the intersection of University Parkway and Kendall Drive. The main intersection before entering the CSUSB campus. tickets given to drivers at the intersection of Ninth Street and Mount Vernon Avenue three years ago when it was discovered that the yellow light at that location was changing too quickly.

Many support red light cameras as a means to prevent traffic accidents and promote safe driving.

“I think they are great as long as they are accurate,” said student Sean Niewoehner. “People drive like they are sitting on rockets here … anything to slow them down and think twice is good in my book.”

The reality is, however, that the cameras are known to cause accidents.

According to a study by the Federal Highway Administration, intersections equipped with such cameras saw a 15 percent increase in accidents and a 24 percent increase

in injuries.

The city’s contract with American Traffic Systems expires this year. If all goes as planned, it’s likely that we’ll see the cameras removed – or at least rendered inoperable – at that time.

Currently, there are cameras at seven major intersections in San Bernardino, including the one in front of our university. Many of us have to navigate more than one of these intersections on a daily basis.

Many CSUSB students want to see them removed from the intersections they overlook.

Hopefully, this contract will soon be coming to a long-overdue close and we’ll all be able to breathe a little easier, knowing our risk of both accidents and traffic fines has decreased.

Faith healers: to regulate or not to regulate

By ERIKA MARTINEZ Staff Writer

Erika Martinez | Chronicle Photo

The Supreme Court may have a decision soon on the legality of faith healing.

Stories of parents who believe in “faith healing” their children back to health have stirred controversy on whether the government should force parents to take them to the doctors.

According to the Pew Forum, two of the government’s obligations are to enforce child welfare laws and protect the Constitutional right of freedom of religious expression and practice.

Their goals can clash when parents choose to faith heal their children instead of seeking medical care to treat an illness.

I believe parents should seek medical attention at all times when a child is sick, and then seek religious healing.

No prayer or Hail Mary is as effective than the marvels of modern medicine.

That wasn’t the case when it came to the Schaible couple, who in December were sentenced to 10 years probation for faith healing their two-year-old son.

Kent Schaible died in 2009 of pneumonia. His parents responded as they were being arrested, “We tried to fight the devil … in the end the devil won.”

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), faith healing is founded on the belief that certain people or places have the ability to cure and heal, or that someone or something can eliminate disease or heal injuries without professional medical attention.

When such a decision results in such harm to children, or in this case death, the courts are called to decide the appropriate balance between these government obligations.

There are no laws that prohibit a family from praying while a family member is at the doctor’s or in the hospital, but I am for the development of laws that would force parents to seek professional medical attention when their child is ill.

However, there have been unexplained experiences

regarding faith healing.

According to the ACS, there are small percentages of people with cancer that have been known to experience remissions that can’t be explained by the science community.

I believe there is a thin line between protecting children and the freedom of religious beliefs, it is wrong not to seek medical attention when it is needed, especially in children.

For the most part the government has yet to adopt a blanket policy about death related to faith healing.

Some practitioners of “faith healing” do not just get away with probation however. In 2010, Jeff and Marci Beagley were convicted of criminally negligent homicide for not seeking medical attention for their teenage son, Neil.

Neil Beagley died from a congenial urinary tract blockage, after his parents had attempted to heal him with anointing oil, prayer, and the laying of hands according to oregonlive.com, These two cases are examples of how the government is trying to balance the authority over child welfare and freedom of religion.

But with all the cases dealing with faith healing on the rise, the government is going to have to think carefully on what law to apply, and one that isn’t bias.

It is difficult even for me to be on one side of the issue, even though I disagree with parents not taking their children to the doctor’s.

But how far can personal liberties and choices extend before they become deadly and foolish?

This makes me wonder roughly how many times a child should get checkups?

I tried asking the CSUSB Health Center for their opinion on this subject and nobody answered my calls.

Opinions

Chronicle Page 11

Monday, February 14, 2011

9/11: False flag operation, a decade of deceit

By MATT EDGERTON Staff Writer Last week I wrote about Richard Falk and the surrounding controversy that followed his comments that there may be more to 9/11 than the official story implies.

This week I will investigate some inconsistencies with the official story of the terror attacks we will “never forget.”

The aggressive response taken by the U.S. Government towards people like Richard Falk who merely question the official story of 9/11 does nothing but spur truth-seeker’s onward attempt to find the real story associated with the events of 9/11.

There are so many discrepancies with the official story of 9/11 that this article cannot begin to cover them all. However, there are a few glaring inconsistencies that will be brought to light within this article, most notably, the collapsing of building seven and the fact that United Flight 93 had a large amount of “ghost” passengers.

Beginning with the infamous building seven collapse; Richard Cage, a member of the American Institute of Architects, managed to persuade more than 1,000 of his peers to sign a new petition requesting a formal inquiry.

He is particularly disturbed by Building 7, a 47-story skyscraper, which was not hit by an aircraft, yet came down in “pure free-fall acceleration.” Cage says that more than 100 first-responders reported explosions and flashes as the towers were falling and cited evidence of “multi-ton steel sections ejected laterally 600 ft. at 60 mph” and the “mid-air pulverization of 90,000 tons of concrete & metal decking.”

The official story given by the 9/11 Commission is that flaming debris from the two towers started a structure fire within the Building 7, causing its collapse.

This collapse marked only the third high rise structure in history to collapse due to a structure fire. The first two, were WTC 1 and 2, the twin towers.

In fact, WTC 2 collapsed within one hour after impact and WTC 1 collapsed in 102 minutes according to the 9/11 Commission.

To put the shocking significance of these two statistics in perspective, many high rise buildings have burned for days without collapse. The largest fire in Madrid history burned a 32-story office building for nearly 24 hours and reaching temperatures of nearly 1,500 degrees. The inferno completely gutted the building, yet it still did not collapse.

There is also evidence of “advanced explosive nano-thermitic composite material found in the World Trade Center dust,” said Mr. Cage, in an interview with the Washington Times.

Including Cage, many experts have come forward to address the discrepancies with the official report of what exactly happened on 9/11.

Why does the government refuse to acknowledge these inconsistencies within the official report, and verify the facts with the American public?

Now to the subject of the “ghost” passengers of Flight 93; a “ghost” passenger is a faked name that is not registered with the Social Security Identification Department (SSID). Of the 44 reported casualties, only 9 are reported dead in the Social Security Death Index.

To further confound this estimate, many news agencies reported totally different numbers for the passenger lists: CNN, USAT, NBC, and the Boston Daily all gave conflicting accounts of how many passengers were on Flight 93.

With these estimates all being totally different and the fact that none of the deceased are reported dead within the SSID, we can only be lead to believe that the “ghost” passengers of Flight 93 never existed and the entire flight was setup.

The most disturbing statistic of the entire 9/11 conspiracy are the put-options placed on the two most damaged corporations from 9/11, American Airlines and United Airlines. A put-option is a bet on a stock that it will fall.

According to CBS News, put-options placed on United Airlines skyrocketed to 90 times higher than the daily average from Sept. 6-10, and 285 times higher the Thursday before 9/11. American Airlines experienced a jump in put-options of 60

Courtesy of the San Francisco Weekly

Mere moments after Flight 175 impacted the World Trade Center South Tower at 9:03 a.m., 56 minutes later, it collapsed. times above normal on the day before the attacks.

Today, $2.5 million in put-options remain unclaimed and is evidence that someone had prior knowledge of these attacks, and were involved in a criminal conspiracy.

History tells us however that there is more to this story than what the government wants us to know.

In 1964, then Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara admitted in a statement that the Gulf of Tonkin Incident, the attack on USS Maddox which catapulted the U.S. into the Vietnam War, was a false flag operation and that the reported attack “didn’t

happen.”

Other operatives such as “Operation Northwoods,” declassified and published online in 2001, lays out a series of false flag operations carried out by the U.S. Government to justify an military engagement with communist Cuba.

This is evidence of the government’s deceiving tactics and lies fed to the American people. I encourage all Americans to start asking questions and demanding answers from their federal government.

The largest and deadliest attack carried out on American soil shall not go unquestioned, the truth has yet to emerge.

Courts need stricter laws for sex offenders

By ANDREA BRANDSTETTER Staff Writer It’s no secret that the American justice system has some serious flaws. One of them involves the punishment and monitoring of dangerous sex offenders.

I believe many sex offenders aren’t serving fair time in prison. I also think many who are out on parole aren’t being properly monitored or closely monitored enough.

I’m afraid there are far too many examples which prove my point.

Take, for instance, the story of 17-year-old Chelsea King, who was raped and murdered last year by convicted sex offender John Gardner.

Due to a plea deal, Gardner served a five year sentence for previously molesting his 13-year-old neighbor in 2000.

During that trial, however, his psychi-

atrist claimed that Gardner was a “danger to underage girls in the community” and strongly recommended a 30-year sentence.

His psychiatrist was right. Plea deal or not, there is no way that Gardner’s sentence fit his crime.

Five years behind bars is nothing when compared to the number of years of emotional and physical suffering as a result of his actions.

Also, if Gardner had served a longer sentence, chances are that Chelsea King would still be alive. In this instance, the justice system failed miserably.

The system also failed in the case of Jaycee Dugard.

Dugard was abducted as a child in 1991 by Phillip Garrido and was raped and held captive by him and his wife for 18 years.

According to a report released by the California Office of the Inspector General,

Garrido’s parole officer and other deputies failed to investigate several clues which might have led to Dugard’s early rescue.

One of these clues came from a neighbor of Garrido’s, who reported seeing several children living in tents in his backyard.

Shockingly, the deputy who was informed about this came to Garrido’s house but didn’t search the backyard.

Another clue was missed in 2008 when a parole officer found a young girl in Garrido’s house but failed to report it.

There isn’t any doubt that the state police failed to do their jobs in this situation.

Sadly, a young woman and her family had to pay the price for their incompetence.

Such failure by those who are supposed to protect and serve is outrageous and completely unacceptable.

I believe reform is needed regarding the amount of time dangerous sex offenders should serve in prison.

States should pass stricter laws against individuals who are feared by professionals to be repeat offenders. I feel that these laws should entail a minimum sentencing of 25-30 years.

Reform is also necessary when it comes to sex offenders on parole and the probation terms they serve.

Parole officers who fail to properly monitor sex offenders in their own homes and neighborhoods should lose their jobs permanently.

Additionally, reform on who is considered a sex offender wouldn’t hurt either.

Many parole officers are spread far too thin by having to investigate serial sex offenders as well as first incident teens, for instance, who are accused of having sex with other consenting teens, who are close in age.

When people’s lives are at stake, failure is most certainly not an option.

Opinions

Chronicle Page 12

Monday, February 14, 2011

A Chronicle Editorial:

What the Middle East must do The duty of government is to concede to the will of the governed.

Or at least that’s the way the West sees it, and the way things are done here in America.

Democracy is by no means easy; in fact, it’s messy.

This is a lesson the revolutionaries and protesters of Cairo’s Liberation Square have learned and endured since the beginning of this month as they have peacefully demonstrated their want for reform within the country.

On Feb. 11, 2010 President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt resigned his power to the military after nearly 30 years in office, due to the tumultuous call for his dismissal by a vast majority of the population in recent weeks.

A so-called democracy, Egypt was officially named a “republic” in the 1950s. It has been under “Emergency Law” since 1967, and since 1981 Egypt has been ruled solely and autocratically Mubarak, who came to power after the assassination of his predecessor, Anwar Sadat.

The departure of Mubarak spells a new beginning for the country.

This is what we the West and the people of Egypt have been waiting for, but the fight is far from over. It has only begun.

As we mentioned earlier, democracy is messy, beautiful in its fulfillment, but by no means easy to accomplish.

With nearby Tunisia rocked by

a similar revolution and its dictator ousted, the whole region rests on a powder keg kindled with youth, revolution and freedom, and now is not the time to allow the spotlight of our media to shift away from either country as it already has begun to do.

Both Tunisia and Egypt need to develop a democracy - a true democracy. A country free from the autocratic ties of its past, inclusive of the youth, Islamic factions, and progressive ideas.

Considering how strong and widespread the desire for reform is, the demonstrations in both countries have largely been peaceful and have amounted to the ultimate goal of their disgruntled populaces.

It took some time and some arm twisting, but Mubarak finally accepted, that his duty was to concede to the will of the governed, just as Tunisia’s President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali had done.

Both countries must now establish themselves.

How then do we support, without troops or a CIA coup (America’s preferred method of democratic installation), a country that seeks democracy?

We could, as the Chronicle is doing in this piece, supply a healthy dose of rhetoric. But does that really amount to anything?

Perhaps.

We could form online communities and call to action, donate money or fly off to Cairo and Tunis and set up elections.

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All of the above, but most of all it is just our encouragement that the people of those countries need.

Encouragement to explore a world outside the draconian walls of Egypt’s past rule or the box that was Tunisia.

The youth of both nations have gilded a glimpse of a better life through the windows of the Internet and have invigorated the poor, the restless and many more to join them.

Enter one of America’s favorite words: reformation.

And that’s exactly what needs to happen. Albeit peacefully, as an orderly transition of power must occur.

This transition needs to take the revolutionary momentum and shift it into a foundation of freedom for the country.

The new leaders, whoever they may be, will have to guarantee the rights of all persons in the respective countries.

Furthermore, the military in Egypt, which currently retains control of the country must be included in the establishment of these new states, but it should not run off like some junta and seize power from the people.

In a true democracy, all sides would be represented, from the soldiers to the sheikhs. As for Tunisia, steps have already been taken to release all political prisoners and to allow for banned political parties to re-assemble.

A new Constitution and a new governmental body need be estab-

lished in both states, as the republics of their past were more instruments of control than a tools of freedom.

Whether at this point the United States or some other entity should intercede, we can ill afford the plight of freedom seeking individuals to be crushed by the heel of an oppressive regime (military, secular or otherwise) should our media focus stray away from the region to soon.

Thus, enter our duty as champions of democracy. What we need to do is keep the spotlight on these happenings in order to secure a democratic fostering in Egypt and Tunisia.

We cannot let the region fade back into non-inclusive and autocratic regimes.

Despite anti-American sentiments and Islamic extremism that may or may not exist within both countries, America needs to keeps its attention on its freedom seeking friend.

If the people of Egypt and Tunisia wish for change, there should be change. And now we wait for democracy to emerge.

As the Chronicle exists within a democratic state, enjoying the freedom of press and having an independent voice, we can only sympathize with the citizen journalists of Egypt and Tunisia who have reported their situation through underground channels to us and to the rest of the world.

The light is there. We must not let it fade.

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Chronicle Page 13

Coyote Chronicle

Monday, February 14, 2011

Geeks, Games, and Gadgets We take the hassle out of browsing the tech scene to bring you weekly news and our views on the wide world of phones, computers, TVs, games, and the Internet.

By ERIC BROWN Managing Editor

How the digital divide can become the digital culture #JustinBieber is one of the most trending topics on Twitter, a social networking site, that has been banned from the top list because of its immense popularity so that other topics can vie for the top slot.

Confused? Don’t be.

I don’t even want to start talking about pop sensation Bieber, I’ll just mention the fact that he has over seven million followers on Twitter, instead I want to talk about the Internet and the digital divide.

Do you know just how vast the Internet is? I mean seriously.

It’s huge, and it recently helped to topple two governments on the other side of the world. And that’s not to mention the countless amounts of XXX subject lines that appear in our spam inboxes daily.

Trending topics and hashtags are the language of today, so you better Digg it even if you don’t Reddit, or else your page might not be liked on Facebook.

Let’s face it, your space is MySpace in this connected world where your coworker is the mayor of your office as opposed to your boss (thank you Foursquare).

If you have been able to keep up with me so far, then this article you are reading has probably itself been gleaned from the Internet (and for kicks you should continue to read), whilst if you have no clue as to what I am talking about, take a second, and fold the pages back on this newspaper so you can better read what I have to say.

I had a healthy discussion with my parents the other day in which they asked me just how I got my news.

It wasn’t just a question regarding my position as editor here at CSUSB, they genuinely wanted to know how I knew about what went on in the world.

They see me pick up my subscriptions to Time and Newsweek, as well as scroll through the New York Times application on my iPhone, but they seemed to sense that there was a lot more thought put into my news gathering then coffee table reading.

They were right.

I told them I don’t watch TV or try to listen to the radio. I might sit through a section of CNN or pick up a tidbit from the DJ on the radio, but in this day and age I find it difficult to trust any one source.

I don’t Stumbleupon my news as much as I Google it.

That being said, the Internet is huge, and so too is media in general, so big in fact, that it creates a barrier to the information it contains.

And that was the question my mother was so innocently seeking the answer to, and my father was quick to point out was the reason he was behind the times.

The digital divide is polarizing us as much as social networking has brought us together.

Age, race, gender and many other differences, be they geographical or cultural, are widening as technology keeps up its blistering growth.

Whether or not we will be able to keep up with the change that the next “it”.com brings or the next divine iMachine will allow us to do, I know we can learn to change.

The problem is culture.

Older people and older cultures want to trust what they know, and to them maybe Fox News, USA Today or Diane Sawyer are the only news they trust or need.

While I may be naive to think that people can change, I do know that this line of thinking doesn’t lead to better voter cohesion during elections or popular support for anything from gay rights to the war in Afghanistan.

All I’m asking is that you don’t stick with just one thing, locking yourself into a comfort zone in technology only increases the digital divide, and instead we need to be open to change. But don’t worry, I only just started tweeting, we must learn to trust new media first before we can bring down the divide.

Sports

Chronicle Page 14

Monday, February 14, 2011

Dive right into Swim Fit Recreational Sports is proving to students and the community that getting in shape can be fun and entertaining.

By KIERA THOMAS Staff Writer

Kiera Thomas | Chronicle Photo

A student perfecting their breast stroke and getting a hard work out in. Swim Fit is another way to get your heart rate up.

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CSUSB now offers a water exercise class through the Rec Center.

Swim Fit is an alternative way to get a great work out.

“I noticed a lack of a swimming programs at CSUSB that catered to aerobics and there is a dire need of a group workout that focuses on the benefits of aquatic exercise,” said Kelsey Morino, instructor of Swim Fit. Water exercise offers many physical, social and mental benefits, according to the U.S. Water Fitness Association (USWFA).

Under the guidance and experience of instructor Morino, participants can partake in the natural activity of swimming while also strengthening their bodies.

Participants of this class have the exciting opportunity to gain improved strength and flexibility, better balance and endurance and increased energy.

Add a good way to relieve stress and an improved physical appearance and you have a winning combination from a fun approach to workouts.

The very distinct benefit of attending the Swim Fit class is for those with physical impairments or disabilities. Water exercise enables individuals to gain the results

of an extensive workout without the strain on injuries or ill health.

“The difference between land and water workouts lies solely on the impact it has on your body,” said Morino. “Water exercise relies on low impact workouts, which make it ideal for rehabilitation tactics.”

Swim Fit provides a variation of workouts and techniques that are sure to bring results. From water jogging and water yoga to swimming laps.

Morino utilizes her expertise to strengthen your workouts with lap exercises and vigorous swimming techniques like the breast stroke and back stroke.

It is important to note that the class workouts are designed to cater to the experience of the participant. This means that those who wish to attend must know the basic principles of swimming.

“The class is open to everyone; however, it is a must that they know how to swim prior to participating. This is not a course that teaches you how to swim, but rather expounds on your abilities in order to enhance your results,” said Morino.

Students and members may delve into classes that teach you basic techniques like floating and survival skills, and equip you with the necessities for Swim Fit. Prices and schedules are available on www.csusbrecsports.com.

Sports

Chronicle Page 15

Monday, February 14, 2011

Coyote Commentary

Greed dominates 2011 NFL season

By J. LEVI BURNFIN Assistant Sports Editor

The Green Bay Packers have won Super Bowl XLV and will remain the reigning Super Bowl Champions for two years. At least that is what might happen if the NFL and the NFLPA (National Football League Players Association) do not agree to a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

In 2006, the NFL and NFLPA agreed on the current CBA that was scheduled to expire after the 2011 season; however, the NFL opted out of the CBA and now it is scheduled to expire on March 4.

Before delving into the major points of the CBA and why it’s likely that this will be a very contentious bargaining period, we need to examine the two sides of the CBA. First, when I say they NFL that refers to the owners of the 32 teams in the NFL. NFL commissioner Roger Goodel was not involved in the decision to opt out of the CBA; it was the owners who voted to opt out.

Second, the NFLPA is the players union, which is led by NFLPA President and former NFL player, Kevin Mawae and NFLPA Director DeMaurice Smith.

The NFL is claiming that their operating costs have risen too high because of player salaries and benefits.

Currently, NFL players receive approximately 60 percent of the gross NFL revenue after a one billion dollar credit is given to owners for their investment.

The gross NFL revenue is currently $9 billion; the players are receiving an estimated 60 percent, approximately $4.8 billion of the remaining $8 billion, after subtracting the one billion dollar owners credit.

Owners are asking to receive an extra one billion dollars, to be taken off of the gross NFL revenue. That would make it $2 billion total taken off of the $9 billion gross NFL revenue.

The players would continue to receive about 60 percent of the remaining money but now it would only be 60

percent of $7 billion instead of $8 billion. Obviously, that would decrease player salaries significantly; therefore, the NFLPA has rejected the owners’ request. The NFLPA has asked owners to provide the financial details of why owners need the extra one billion dollars.

The owners have continually pointed to the only publicly available financial records of an NFL team, the Green Bay Packers.

In the fiscal year that ended on Mar. 31, 2007, the Packers earned over $34.2 million in operating profit according to ESPN. However, in the fiscal year that ended on Mar. 31, 2010, the Packers earned only $9.8 million.

While it is a stark decline in profit for the Packers, the NFLPA rejects the numbers as being empirical proof because the other 31 teams’ financial records have not been made available.

The NFLPA has stated that without the other teams’ financial records, they will not be able to establish any accuracy in the owners’ claims that operating costs have been driven up too high. If that was the only problem standing in between the NFL and NFLPA agreeing on a new CBA, it would still be a contentious and hard fought negotiation.

But there are several others. The owners have expressed an interest in lengthening the NFL regular season from 16 games to 18. They have proposed to eliminate two pre-season games to accommodate the two new regular season games.

However, players have voiced their concern about extending the regular season citing possible injury. The average playing span of the average NFL player is four years, if the regular season were extended two games that could decrease.

If the NFL was to expand to 18 regular season games, players expect to be compensated for the possible decrease in the career life-span of the average NFL player.

Owners have also expressed their discontent with the current rookie wage scale.

During the 2010’s NFL draft’s first overall selection was Sam Bradford who was drafted by the St. Louis Rams. Bradford received a six-year $78 million deal that could reach $86 million if he reaches performance incentives.

The NFL would like to decrease the amount of money that is involved in rookie contracts.

These three issues: the amount of money players are receiving, the 18-game schedule and the rookie wage scale seem to be the biggest three bargaining chips involved in completing the new CBA. I believe that the latter two could be solved rather simply. I do not think there will be an 18-game schedule in 2011. The two sides will come to a compromise where they extend the season one week by giving every team one extra bye week.

That will increase revenue from ad dollars and television contracts for teams but not add extra risk to players.

The rookie wage scale will be decreased substantially.

Current players have not voiced much opposition to a decreased rookie wage scale as long as most of the money is channeled towards veteran players.

However, the problem involving the amount of money that players receive will not be resolved unless one of three things happens.

First, the owners decide to give up the request: not likely to happen.

Second, the owners allow players to see the financial records and the players recognize that the owners really are paying too much for player salaries: again not likely to happen.

Finally, the players give in because some players, who believe it or not live paycheck-to-paycheck, are going bankrupt.

That is the most likely scenario. Regardless, I do see the new CBA negotiations lasting until right before the regular season starts where either the NFL or NFLPA will buckle to the pressure of fans.

Revving up for breast cancer

By KELEIGH ACOSTA Staff Writer

Keleigh Acosta | Chronicle Photo

Jarred Brown, 450 rider, along with others painted their bike pink to show their awareness of breast caner to the fans.

Keleigh Acosta | Chronicle Photo

Charity booths like the one shown here is where donations could be made to the Susan G. Komen three-day for the cure.

Each motorcycle had pink graphics, pink number plates and pink ribbons. A stadium full of pink kept breast cancer survivors feeling the support of many.

Angel’s Stadium hosted their second annual Supercross Race for the Cure. Men, women, children and riders throughout the stadium supported breast cancer awareness by wearing pink, donating to charity booths, and listening to the touching stories of women who have fought the fight.

All donations made will help fund the Susan G. Komen three-day for the cure foundation 60 mile walk. The three-day walk is an organized walk to raise funds and awareness to fight breast cancer.

By the end of the night, over $5,000 was raised for the Susan G. Komen fund.

James Stewart, current point’s leader for the 450 class, took another win for the San Manuel Yamaha team.

The number seven bike, tickled in pink, rode all twenty laps in the first place position.

Josh Hansen, current leader for the 250 class, stole another victory for the Pro Circuit Kawasaki team.

Breast cancer survivor Rebecca Morgan was put to tears after watching her youngest daughter speak to a full stadium about her mother’s fight against breast cancer.

“Seeing her up on the big screen was

incredible. Being able to come to a professional male sporting event and seeing every rider in pink gear, on a pink bike, with pink ribbons on every helmet in sight was touching,” said Morgan. “I couldn’t have felt more supported.”

This particular race was chosen to celebrate breast cancer awareness because it happens to be the last West Coast race before the East Coast series begins.

With ticket sales at their highest of the year, donations are doubled in comparison to what they would have been at any previous race.

Most fans enjoy this race because not only are West Coast riders available for autographs, but East Coast riders attend the race as well.

Blake Baggett, teammate of 250 West Coast leader Josh Hansen, will be racing the East Coast series for the Pro Circuit Kawasaki team.

“There is only one word to describe the breast cancer race. Insane. The fans are so awesome and supportive,” said Baggett.

“It’s really cool to see everyone come together as a huge family and support not only the racing, but the cause we are riding for.”

After the event ended, a large gathering was held outside of the stadium for everyone involved in funding the three- day walk.

Hugs, tears and gratitude were given to all the teams and riders for showing their support.

Sports

Monday 2.14.11

Love is in the air and in the game

By HANNAH ALANIS Staff Writer

Jesus Romero | Chronicle Photo

Rock climbing in the Rec center is a great way to tackle a tough challenge together and have fun with the one you love.

Jesus Romero | Chronicle Photo

Guys, grab your board and teach your girlfriend how to ride. After she gets the hang of it, you guys can shred some hills.

A couple that plays together, stays together!

Whether you’re just getting to know each other or have been dating for years, trade in the typical dinner-and-a-movie date this Valentines Day and get active.

“I love working out with my boyfriend. We like to do outdoor activities like running, hiking and snowboarding. We recently went to the batting cages together, it was fun to do and it’s nice to spend quality time together,” said student Christina Lozano.

Not only will you burn calories, you’ll also test your compatibility and you may discover common interests and talents you didn’t realize you had.

There is no better way to connect with your partner and work together as a team than by joining a team!

There are plenty of intramural co-ed sports that are offered here at CSUSB including softball, volleyball, indoor soccer, basketball, dodgeball and flag football.

You can also spice up your love life by adding a touch of healthy competition to your relationship.

Intramural sports are free to all enrolled students and if your “other half” is not an enrolled student, they can purchase a Recreational Sports Membership.

Joining a team together is a great way to stay in shape while giving you the chance to bond with your partner and meet

other couples.

Couples can learn to trust each other by tackling an indoor rock wall.

Rock climbing was practically made for couples and it is a fun activity that is offered here at CSUSB. What other two-person activity puts your date’s life in your hands, literally?

Talk about trust. If neither of you has ever climbed before, no worries, our gym has trainers that are there to lend a helping hand.

Get outside and enjoy the great outdoors! Hiking or just going for a walk can also be a very romantic option. It is a great get-to-know-you date that combines fresh air, exercise and beautiful scenery.

You can walk arm-in-arm exploring new sights together, and hopefully find a quiet spot to take a break and enjoy the scenery.

If one person in the relationship enjoys a sport a lot, it is a great way for one to teach the other and then enjoy the sport together.

“My boyfriend taught me how to snowboard last year. He wanted a sport that we could both enjoy together,” said student Molly Nazeck.

Whether you’re on the beach or in the city, getting out in the fresh air and moving is great for your health and romance. It is free, easy and provides some time for just the two of you.

Make this Valentines Day memorable!

Remember, just because it’s an active date doesn’t mean it can’t be a romantic one.

Sara Schrader | Special to the Chronicle

Hiking is a great way for couples to enjoy the great outdoors. Bring a backpack with picnic food and make a day of it.